Maccabi Tel Aviv edged past Sheriff 1-0 in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, thanks to a first-half strike from Samba Koné. The Israeli side controlled much of the game without dominating possession, but made the most of their chances to secure the win.
The only goal came in the 29th minute, when Roy Revivo set up Samba Koné, who slotted home to make it 1-0. Sheriff struggled to create clear opportunities and were limited to off-target efforts, while Maccabi continued to press but couldn't add a second. Late bookings for Vsevolod Nihaev and Baye Assane Ciss added to Sheriff's frustration.
The box score tells the story: Maccabi had three shots on target to Sheriff's none, and earned 11 corners to Sheriff's seven, despite equal possession at 50% each. It was a disciplined performance from the home side, who took their chance when it mattered and kept a clean sheet to take a slender lead into the second leg.
